A man had been in a mental institution for some years. Finally he seemed to have improved to the point where it was thought he might be released. The head of the institution, in a fit of

A man had been in a mental institution for some years. Finally, he seemed to have improved to the point where it was thought he might be released.

The head of the institution, in a fit of optimism, decided to test the man’s recovery. He took the man aside and said, “Alright, John, I’m going to ask you a simple question. If you answer it correctly, we’ll discuss your release.”

John, looking slightly nervous but hopeful, nodded. “Okay, I’m ready.”

The head of the institution smiled and asked, “What’s 2 plus 2?”

John thought for a moment, his eyes narrowed as if pondering a deep philosophical question. He scratched his chin, then looked at the head of the institution with a serious face and said, “5.”

The head of the institution gasped and sighed. “John, we’ve been over this! You were doing so well, and now this? Why would you say 5?”

John smiled sheepishly. “Well, Doc, you’ve got to understand. I’ve been in here for so long, I figured there was a trick to the question. Maybe the answer was part of the system’s plan. I figured you were testing me, testing whether I’d break out of the norm!”

The head of the institution shook his head. “John, no. The answer is 4. This is simple math. But you know what? Let’s give you another chance to prove yourself. If you answer this next question correctly, we’ll release you tomorrow. Deal?”

John agreed. “Deal!”

The head of the institution leaned in and asked, “Alright, what’s 4 plus 4?”

John stood up straight, puffed out his chest like a man about to give the performance of a lifetime, and confidently declared, “8!”

The head of the institution blinked, stunned for a moment. He raised an eyebrow and asked, “So you’re saying... you’re cured?”

John smiled widely, “Well, Doc, I’d say I’m a man who knows how to follow the rules… but I also know when to trust my instincts! So, 8 was just the start, but in reality… 2 plus 2 is whatever gets me out of here.”